Abstract

Globalization is largely the gift of networking. In global networking, Information Technology is the leading actor which plays a role of catalyst. The process of globalization is intensifying as different parts of the world are increasingly linked with one another as a result of this global networking. This article claims that while global networking has brought the people of the world, who are spatially far away closer, it however drew those who have been geographically nearer very far apart. Discussing comparatively the nature of social cohesion in Ethiopia before and after an intensive application of global networking tools in the country, an attempt has been made to coagulate the claim that global networking is indeed disintegrating family in Ethiopia. Major assertions made in this article are inferences from the data collected through interviews and discussions held with teachers and students of three universities of the country i.e. Gondar, Dilla and Bahir Dar Universities. Families, online friends, media persons are also consulted. Moreover, personal observation and other studies also make an integral part of the study.

Key words: Globalization, social media, Ethiopian family, social cohesion, integration.